How wonderful is it to spend a sunny day at the park with your children! Are you looking for a new spot to enjoy a warm day? Kidding Around contributor, Deborah, recently visited University Park, a lovely little playground in an established neighborhood. What do you need to know before you go?
Brookside Circle takes you away from the stop-and-go traffic of Wade Hampton, and into the quiet oasis of an established neighborhood. As you wind your way down into the neighborhood, you will come to a long green space which used to be a bird sanctuary. With mature trees and a little creek, this is a happy place for your children to run and interact with nature. Welcome to University Park.
University Park: Tucked Away Playground
The playground sits in a big clearing at the entrance to the park. And there are mature trees around it, so it has partial shade! This means the playground is great in the winter when you want full sun and even bearable in the dog-days of August.
The creative monkey bars and balance beams will lead you to the slide. Near the base of the slide, don’t miss the shapes scavenger hunt. The merry-go-round is fun for just one child or two or three.
Additional Amenities at University Park
Want to swing? Walk into the woods to find the swings from the older playground. Want to use wheels? There’s a sidewalk along the park and Brookside Circle.
Bring a picnic blanket to relax under the cover of the trees and listen to the creek. There are no restrooms, benches or water fountains at this point. Plan accordingly. You can park along Brookside Circle or on Beverly Lane.
University Park Quick Facts
Playground: Monkey bars, balance beams, slides, scavenger hunt, and merry-go-round
Swings
Partial shade
Creek
Bikes & Scooters: Sidewalk along the park and Brookside circle
No restrooms, benches or water fountains
Parking is roadside
University Park 101 Brookside Circle Greenville, SC 29601
What would your children like the most at this revitalized park?
Inside: A local mom reviews the River Birch Trail in Spartanburg, SC, with kids!
Originally built in 1981, the River Birch Trail in Spartanburg, SC has undergone major revitalization in recent years! Most recently, the trail was expanded to now stretch about 2 miles one direction, all along the scenic banks of Lawson’s Fork Creek. Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett reviews this trail for all you prospective hikers out there to consider!
The dam along the River Birch Trail in Spartanburg, SC
There’s nothing quite like going for a walk with your kids. There’s just something about getting outside, casting eyes over trees and sky, and moving all together in the same direction. It’s a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively!
But it can be tough to find routes that work well for parents with kids and are, shall we say, a bit more “scenic” than sidewalks wrapping around playgrounds… Not knocking those, we genuinely love them! But I have to admit my pleasant surprise when I was first introduced to the paved 2-mile River Birch Trail. A family member introduced us to this trail over the holidays last year (gotta love that post-turkey trot!) and I have found myself returning to it again and again.
Quick Summary: River Birch Trail
This 2-mile paved trail winds along Lawson’s Fork Creek, with bridges, bamboo forests, and even a hidden waterfall at White’s Mill Dam. Perfect for strollers, bikes, and little explorers! 🚲👣
📍 Access points: 🚗 McCracken Middle School 🌮 Willy Taco (midway point!) 💦 White’s Mill Dam
Watch! What We Saw on The River Birch Trail
Finding the River Birch Trail
This trail has multiple convenient access points, including McCracken Middle School at one end, Willy Taco around the halfway point, and White’s Mill Dam at the other end. Our family’s go-to starting place is the designated parking lot off Sydnor Road behind McCracken Middle School. We’ve never had an issue getting a parking spot there, and there is a paved path down a short hill that puts you right on the trail.
If you are a more regular hiker, you may also know or be interested to learn that the River Birch Trail connects at both ends to other segments of the larger Daniel Morgan Trail System. If you want to extend your hike, consider starting out on the more natural Cottonwood Trail at the Edwin M. Nature Preserve entrance, which will add roughly another 2 miles and connect with the River Birch trailhead at Sydnor Road. You can also add 2 miles coming at the River Birch Trail from the other direction if you start out at the Mary Black Campus of Spartanburg Medical Center and follow the Drayton Mills Trails down to Heywood Avenue.
Beautiful things to see along the River Birch Trail.
Accessibility and Challenge Level
The length of the trail is comparable to the Mary Black Rail Trail, stretching about 2 miles one-way. Walking with 3 little ones, it typically takes us about 1.5 hours to walk out and back. If I’m generous with stops to play, we can add in quite a bit more time, though, so know your children’s expectations well before you set out with them!
The entire trail is wide enough for several people to walk side by side, and the trail is paved the whole way through—the only exceptions being one aluminum bridge and one boardwalk where the trail crosses over Lawson’s Fork Creek.
It is also mostly level with only a few very low-grade hills. The steepest hill is just the short one coming down from the parking lot behind McCracken, which always makes for a small final challenge on our return journey! I will say, though, I think the hill to access the trail from Willy Taco might even be a bit steeper!
The width of the trail, smooth surfacing, and easy inclines make it absolutely inclusive for strollers, wheelchairs, and cyclists. If you have walked the completely level Mary Black Rail Trail and want something just as accessible but the teensiest bit more challenging, the River Birch Trail is definitely an excellent next option for your family!
Highlights on the Trail
The entire River Birch Trail follows alongside Lawson’s Fork Creek, and I just love the nonstop view of the gently moving water. The landscape rises on either side of the creek, which means this trail is nestled for the most part between wooded hills on either side.
Each time we go, I look for some new plantlife to identify, and some of our favorites so far are the bamboo forest on the far side of the creek and the oriental paperbush flowers which bloom in early spring.
There are some interesting man-made additions to the view along the River Birch Trail, too. We’ve spotted at least 3 birdhouses which were hand-painted and installed by a local Girl Scout Troop, and one absolutely hilarious sign near White’s Mill Dam!
There are also sections of the trail that pass through more residential areas, and we’ve found a few favorite houses with pretty architecture and had fun trying to identify a few commercial buildings we’ve seen through the trees.
The water and hills regulate the temperature along the trail, making it feel just a bit milder. I remember going once on a windy winter day, and though we could see the treetops swaying overhead, we could hardly feel it ourselves, shielded as we were by the landscape. Add in the dappled shade in summer, and you are sure to get some relief from the heat!
Our family’s absolute favorite spot on the River Birch Trail, though, has to be White’s Mill Dam. This special spot is pretty close to the trailhead at Heywood Avenue, so it’s a welcome break about halfway into our out-and-back hike. There’s a small sandy area with a bench, where my kids love to get dirty and play… One of these days, maybe I’ll even remember to bring sand toys! But what I love about this place is just the water falling over the dam. It looks and sounds so serene.
Playing in the sand along the River Birch Trail
Safety Considerations
If visiting the River Birch Trail with children, always be mindful of the need for safety around the water. There are several bridges overlooking the water, and a few places where the bank drops off steeply next to the path. Always keep a close watch on your kids, and talk to those who are old enough to understand about the importance of being careful along the creek.
Keep in mind that the River Birch Trail is somewhat secluded, being a more nature-oriented trail. There are some views of residential housing and the backs of commercial buildings, with a few places to come on or off the trail, but there are significant sections where you may be more isolated.
Our family has tended to walk this trail on weekday mornings or weekend afternoons, and we have always run into several friendly people on the trail. Even so, you might prefer to use the buddy system or plan to walk with another family as an added safety measure.
It is important to note that the River Birch Trail also suffered significant storm damage from Hurricane Helene in 2024. At the time of this writing, the path itself has been cleared and is in good condition, but there is still some safety fencing down and debris from fallen trees and branches visible along most of the trail.
Partners for Active Living (PAL) actively maintains the River Birch Trail and others in Spartanburg County, so if you would like to be involved in the clean-up effort, please consider reaching out to them for volunteer opportunities!
Find more places to play outdoors in Spartanburg, SC
Inside: A local mom visits Rabbit Crest Farms in Greenville, SC to get all the details on u-pick flowers and other farm offerings.
Just outside downtown Greenville, South Carolina, Rabbit Crest Farms is a hidden gem for flower lovers and nature enthusiasts. This family-owned farm is more than just a place to pick fresh blooms—it’s a beautiful space to enjoy picnics, family time, and more.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah and her young daughter, who, despite being under two years old, is already an eager farm hand and an excellent quality-control flower selector. Their passion for flowers and farming was evident, making Rabbit Crest Farms a truly special place to experience.
Public U-Pick Events: A Relaxing Outdoor Experience
Rabbit Crest Farms offers Public U-Pick events on Friday evenings throughout the spring, summer, and fall. For just a $5 entry fee, visitors can enjoy the farm’s serene setting with no obligation to purchase flowers. The farm has a stunning container garden area where guests can relax, unwind, and even enjoy a picnic.
For those who wish to bring home a bouquet, flower vessels are available for purchase:
Personal size (cup): $25 – enough for one flower arrangement
Share size (pitcher): $40 – holds two flower arrangements worth
All necessary cutting supplies are provided, though parents are asked to supervise children using them. Once finished, guests return their flower vessel, and the farm staff beautifully wraps their freshly picked blooms for transport. Children under 8 can enter for free, making it a family-friendly outing. The farm also offers shady picnic areas and fully plumbed bathrooms for added comfort.
Private U-Pick Events: A Perfect Outing for Any Occasion
For those looking for a more intimate experience, Rabbit Crest Farms offers Private U-Pick Events, ideal for date nights, girls’ nights out, team-building activities, and birthday parties.
Details:
Price: $35 per person (minimum of 2 people)
Includes:
Exclusive 3-hour farm access
U-Pick flower patch
Snips for harvesting flowers
Flower vessel for collected stems
Access to the Gardens picnic area for picnics or catering
A Blooming Calendar: Flowers for Every Season
One of the unique aspects of Rabbit Crest Farms is its succession planting strategy. This method ensures that visitors are always greeted with fresh, seasonal blooms, with a typical 4-week bloom cycle bringing new varieties to the fields.
Early Spring: Ranunculus, anemone, delphinium, poppy
Rabbit Crest Farms is co-owned by Elijah Ackerman, Sarah Kivett, and Donna Tribble. What started as a backyard hobby garden has grown into a regenerative farm since its transformation in 2020. The farm prioritizes bio-intensive no-till agricultural practices, ensuring long-term soil health and sustainable flower production.
Farm Offerings: More Than Just a U-Pick Experience
Beyond the U-Pick events, Rabbit Crest Farms offers a range of floral services and fresh flowers for the community:
Seasonal cut flowers available from March to October
Wholesale flowers for local florists and businesses
Floral design services for small weddings and events
DIY flower buckets (available in summer and fall) for customers who want to craft their own arrangements
Open Year-Round for Flower Enthusiasts
While the flowers themselves are seasonal, Rabbit Crest Farms operates year-round, focusing on bringing fresh, locally grown blooms to the Greenville community. Whether you’re looking for a casual Friday evening surrounded by nature, a private event with friends, or farm-fresh flowers for a special occasion, Rabbit Crest Farms is a must-visit destination.
For more details, event dates, and photos of the farm, visit their website or follow them on social media for updates on their latest blooms and offerings.
Inside: A local mom shares all the details about the great amenities at Stoneledge Park in this full guide.
Looking for a great place to plan some activities this summer? Look no further! StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has it all: an indoor event center, outdoor pavilions and playgrounds, a paved walking trail, and of course—the well-known water park—Shipwreck Cove! Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett breaks down everything you need to know to make the most use of this versatile park as the weather gets warmer!
Gazebo and swings at Stoneledge Park in Duncan. SC
Quick Summary: Stoneledge Park
2 playgrounds
Swings
Paved Walking Trail
Event Center
Water Park
Parking on site
Restrooms available
About Stoneledge Park In Duncan, SC
Whether you want to meet indoors or play outside, get wet or stay dry, go with a group or just your family—StoneLedge Park in Duncan, SC has just the space for you!
Here, you will find a private event center open to reservations, multiple covered picnic shelters, two pretty white gazebos, a small man-made waterfall, playgrounds for big kids and little ones, and a paved walking trail that is perfect for casual strolls and kids on wheels. And of course, you can’t miss Shipwreck Cove, the fantastic adjoining water park which opens every summer!
This property encompasses over 20 acres, much of which is still to be developed, and it has long been a focal point for the town’s recreation and tourism. Parking is available on either side of the Duncan Event Center, with one lot putting you right next to the playgrounds and the other putting you right next to Shipwreck Cove!
Stoneledge Park Events Center
The centerpiece of StoneLedge Park is the Duncan Event Center. No matter which way you come into the park, you won’t be able to miss this hilltop building!
Newly constructed in 2020, the Duncan Event Center is a versatile 3,500-square-foot facility. It offers a wide open, well-lit space with tables and chairs to accommodate up to 200 people, a large wall-mounted projector and screen, built-in sound system, multi-stall restrooms, and a fantastic kitchen space complete with refrigerator, freezer, and warming station.
Reservations are required, with a 4-hour minimum to book the space. Booking details are available online, including the event calendar and options for setup, cleanup, and extras.
Common uses include weddings, showers, and parties, but my family’s experience with the Event Center has been primarily community events. With convenient parking, ample seating, and its big projector screen, the Event Center has been such an ideal space for meetings and presentations! We especially love the immediate access to all the surrounding outdoor spaces, too, which allow for fun and fellowship to carry on long after a more formal gathering ends.
Stoneledge Park Playground
Perfect Playground for All Ages
As a mom of littles, the playground at StoneLedge Park is one of my absolute favorites. It’s open every day from dawn to dusk, has public restroom facilities available, and two covered picnic shelters right by the playgrounds for easy snack breaks.
There are two playsets right near each other, one geared towards ages 2 to 5 years old and one for ages 5 to 12 years old. The playset for bigger kids is really well-designed for safety and visibility, with secure rails fully surrounding the highest levels, so this is one where toddlers might be okay to tag along with older siblings or under close supervision from parents. Swing sets include baby swings, big kid swings, and one accessible swing.
Stoneledge Park toddler playground
Most of the entire playground area is connected by a smooth artificial surface, which is one of my favorite features for visiting with a baby: Our littlest family member has no trouble crawling and exploring this entire area while the older siblings climb and play! There are also two covered gazebos with low benches, which make great enclosed spaces for crawlers, climbers, and cruisers while grown-ups sit and supervise.
Pavilions at Stoneledge Park
Whether you are just visiting as a family, reserving one of the picnic shelters for a party, or booking the Duncan Event Center for a private event, the park and playground make a fantastic, family-friendly addition to any outing in this area!
Water Feature and Walking Trail
At the playgrounds, you will also find a small man-made waterfall right next to the paved walking path. In summer and fall, this is a great spot to stop for a quick family or group photo!
From there, you can follow the paved trail loop for a leisurely walk around the park. It stretches about 0.5 miles, encircling the play areas and then extending down Spring Street to a broad greenspace with another picnic shelter. The small section of the trail around the play areas is wide and level, making it perfect for strollers and kids on wheels. As you approach the greenspace and then the wooded area, it narrows and introduces some pretty steep slopes, so venture down that way only if you want to build up your calf muscles!
Shipwreck Cove Water Park
Depending on the time of year, you may also want to include Shipwreck Cove in your plans! This water park typically opens over Memorial Day weekend and runs through summer each year. Typical hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Monday through Saturday, then 1 pm to 6 pm on Sundays. However, the water park does sometimes close for private events or adverse weather, so always be sure to check before visiting!
Admission rates vary by height and age, and there are also discounts available for groups, senior citizens, military personnel, and those with a qualifying handicap. With your ticket purchase, you can receive a wristband which allows you to enter and exit the water park freely throughout the day, making it a fabulous add-on to any outdoor adventure at StoneLedge Park! You can easily go back and forth from the playgrounds and picnic shelters to water slides and cabanas.
The wristband can be especially helpful depending on your dining plan: Food is available for purchase inside Shipwreck Cove, but outside food and drink are restricted to consumption outside the water park. Plan ahead for this if you want to bring a picnic!
Inside the water park, you’ll find an amazing kiddie area complete with pirate ship, two super slick water slides for bigger kids, and a lazy river complete with inner tubes. A limited number of life vests are available to borrow, but you may want to bring your own in case these run out. Lifeguards are on duty, but of course parental supervision is also expected!
Whether you are planning your own event or looking for something else amazing to do, StoneLedge Park is a fantastic place to check.
It’s a go-to site for the Town of Duncan’s community events, including their annual Duncanfest—featuring carnival rides, food trucks, local bands, and usually even a fun run! Be sure to check the Town of Duncan’s event calendar for anything that could be happening at the park, especially in the spring and summer!
Stoneledge Park in Duncan
Does your family enjoy spending time at Stoneledge Park?
The Upstate is lucky enough to have a ton of parks. Check out our Park Guide to find your next adventure!
Curious about Brookwood Park, tucked quietly away in Landrum, SC? Kidding Around’s Sarah Burnett paid it a visit with her 3 kids and shares everything you need to know about what this little neighborhood park has to offer.
Depending on which mapping app you use, this address could take you right to Brookwood Park’s car lot, or it could land you across the street at the Land Mart Corner Store wondering where you are. Guess which one happened to me? But don’t worry! One phone call to the City of Landrum’s front desk gave me the guidance I needed: “Look behind you.” And with embarrassed laughter and a sigh of relief, I saw the sign!
To be fair, Brookwood Park is a little hidden from view. The road sits high compared to the park down below, so if you happen to miss the sign (like I did) then it’s easy to overlook the park itself. But once you catch it, oh boy! Down a steep hill and across a stretch of greenspace, your eyes take in the climbing wall, multiple swing sets, and playground with playthings to spare!
If you are a hiker, it is also worth noting that Brookwood Park is along two major hiking routes which pass through the City of Landrum. The park makes a convenient rest stop about 4 miles into the Blue Wall Passage of the Palmetto Trail, coming down from the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE). It is also located less than 1/10th of a mile from the conclusion of the 14-mile Peach Country Passage of the Palmetto Trail coming from Inman, SC.
Around the Playground
Brookwood Park features an older playground, with its main playset appealing mostly to preschoolers through early elementary ages. The main draws for littles will almost certainly be the stationary red car with double-steering wheels or one of the rocking toys with a spring base. With mulch all around, excellent visibility, and a small set of bleachers for seating, this play area right next to the parking lot is ideal for parents juggling multiples.
Brookwood Park Playground in Landrum, SCBrookwood Park Playground in Landrum, SC
Farther into the park, though, older kids will also love the open greenspace, additional swing sets, and of course, the climbing wall! My oldest delighted in running around “hunting” squirrels in the grass, and I delighted in seeing the squirrels escape into the scattered oak trees. He quickly conquered the climbing wall and then turned to jumping out at me from either end of the tunnel underneath it.
Peek at the picnic shelter right by the playgrounds, too, and you’ll find the Carolina Lily! This is the 6th pattern of the Foothills Quilt Trail scattered throughout Landrum, SC— Finding them all could make for a great family scavenger hunt, if you feel like exploring the city!
More to Explore
On the other side of the parking lot is another, smaller greenspace. A picket fence wraps around the far side of the space, creating a barrier between your kids and the woods beyond.
Here, you’ll also find a small brick pavilion with stone tables inside and two military memorial stones flanking the entrance. We happened to be at the park when the maintenance team came through to replace one of the American flags there, and we were thankful to see the memorial being stewarded with such respect and care.
Memorial at Brookwood Park
This is also where you can find the entrance to the Brookwood Park Walking Trail. It’s a roughly half-mile loop, which is mostly level and heavily shaded by trees all around. Most of the loop is paved with some boardwalks in the mix. Strollers and dogs are welcome on the trail, but bicycles, skateboards, and the like are strictly prohibited.
Walking trail at Brookwood ParkWalking trail at Brookwood Park
We visited in winter, but I have seen photos of this trail in autumn and definitely want to visit again when we can catch the changing foliage! There is a little stream that runs alongside much of the trail, and I saw several spots that would be great for family pictures once the leaves have come out.
Tips for Your Visit
While this park is located on a residential street, the view from the main road is limited and the wooded trail, in particular, has several points of isolation. Safety precautions to consider could include planning your visit with multiple families and always walking with a buddy when on the trail.
The steep hills around the park create a natural barrier between the play area and the roads, but there are no fences around the main part of this park. If you have little ones or kids who like to explore, you may want to set clear boundaries upon arrival and be sure your kids stay closer to you than to the road.
There is a picnic shelter with restrooms available, but the responsibility for maintaining these facilities is primarily up to the groups who reserve it. As a result, you might find it in varying condition, depending on the people who used it last.
Playing at Brookwood ParkBrookwood Park Walking Trail
Brookwood Park is maintained by the City of Landrum. If you notice a maintenance issue or other concern on your visit, be sure to let them know so they can address it!
Ready to enjoy some camping in Spartanburg, SC? With all of the natural beauty surrounding us in the Upstate, the best way to enjoy it is by immersing yourself. We have a guide to all the places you’ll want to check out when looking for a place to camp near Spartanburg.
Whether the scenery you’re looking for includes mountains, rivers, or lakes – we have it all right here.
450 Croft State Park Road, Spartanburg Located in Spartanburg County, this 7,000+ acre state park will make you forget the city. Once an Army base, this park is now peaceful and quiet. This park has lots of activities to choose from. You can rent a fishing boat at the wardens’ office for a leisurely paddle or fishing. The park has an incredible 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. The park is known for its great equestrian facilities, plus more than 20 miles of equestrian trails.
This park has tent campsites with electricity and water, RV sites, and primitive campsites.
1277 Park Road, Blacksburg Located just north of Spartanburg on I-85, this nearly 7,000-acre state park can be seen from the interstate. The park is part of something called the Ridgeline Trail, which connects three parks and two states. The adjacent Kings Mountain National Military Park and Crowders Mountain State Park are all connected by this 16-mile hiking trail loop. In the fall, visitors can enjoy living history demonstrations on the park’s replica 1800’s farm.
This park has tent campsites with electricity and water, trailside campsites with water, and primitive campsites.
196 Andrew Jackson State Park Road, Lancaster This 360-acre park is located just south of Charlotte. A living history program, museum, and regularly scheduled community events make this one of South Carolina’s popular state parks.
This park has tent campsites with electricity and water, RV sites, and primitive campsites.
Spartanburg NE/Gaffney KOA
160 Sarratt School Road, Gaffney This location offers tent sites with water and electricity, RV sites, cabins, and Lodge accommodations.
Chester State Park
759 State Park Drive, Chester At just about an hour and a half from Spartanburg, this park is a hidden gem. Aside from all of the activities one would expect from a state park, this location also offers a nine-hole disc golf course.
This park has tent sites with water and electricity, RV sites, and primitive campsites for groups.
3001 South Mountain Park Avenue, Connelly Springs NC Note: The Park is currently partially closed due to Hurricane Helene damage. The park has a waterfall, trout fishing, 40 miles of hiking trails, and more. It also includes a visitor center with museum-quality exhibits.
This park offers 18 drive-up camping sites and two dozen backpacking sites.
Hickory Nut Falls Family Campsite
639 Main Street, Chimney Rock NC Note: This campground is currently closed due to flood damage. This locally-owned campsite offers tent camping with utilities, RV sites, and a single cabin unit.
Crowders Mountain State Park
522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain NC Located just over the state line and adjacent to Kings Mountain State Park, this land has seen a lot of history. Originally grazing land for elk and buffalo, the mountain was spared being turned into a mine by conservationists in 1973. In addition to hikes along the Ridgeline Trail, the park offers paddling, fishing, rock climbing, and bouldering.
This park has tent campsites with electricity and water, family size (2 pad) sites, and primitive campsites.
Places To Camp in The Piedmont Region of South Carolina
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia Just outside of Columbia, this 1,400-acre park boasts the only splash pad in the state park system. The park has a 30-acre lake and a six-mile biking trail loop.
This park has tent sites with water and electricity and primitive campsites for groups.
100 National Park Road, Hopkins Host to an impressive light show in May, this park is home to the synchronous firefly. These insects draw huge crowds during those few weeks. During the other 11 months of the year, there is still much to be seen by foot, canoe, or kayak in this 20,000-acre national park. Keep in mind this park is part of a flood plain that includes the Congaree River, so keeping an eye on the weather while planning to visit is important.
This park has primitive backcountry camping and campsites without running water or electricity.
Have you been to Takeoff Mini Golf in Greenville, SC yet? The only aviation-themed miniature golf course in the Upstate is located next to Runway Park near downtown Greenville. We’ve got all the details.
After a 20-year corporate career, Megan Mishler needed a change, something fun that would allow her time with her two little kids. Her husband, Anthony, has his small plane pilot’s license and after visiting Greenville’s Runway Park, they had their answer: they would open an aviation-themed miniature golf course right next to the park. The dream came true.
When Megan and Anthony decided to go with the aviation theme for the mini-golf course, they went all in. Every detail was thoughtfully devised and the experience centers around having fun with your family and friends in a unique and adventurous way.
There are 19 holes (18 plus a bonus!) and each one is a bit longer in length than a standard mini-golf course so you have more space to get those coveted hole-in-ones, or just laugh at how bad you are at mini-golf (ahem, myself).
The lights that dot the course look like actual runway lights, the numbers of each hole look identical to the ones you would see on a runway, there are plane propellers on one of the holes, and the last hole has a real plane beacon that lights up and has a siren if you make a hole-in-one.
The course lights up like a runway at night even and like at next door Runway Park, you can watch small planes land and take off not 200 yards away at the airport.
Kids and Adults Will Love This Place
My kids, ages 11 and 7, loved, loved, loved this place. They had such fun trying out the different holes and watching the golf ball bounce over the humps, through obstacles, and around boulders. They thought the hole where you needed to get the ball into a small water cascade so it could get to the hole was awesome. I mean, I thought it was awesome, too. They loved trying to hit the ball under a big boulder bridge and enjoyed trying to get a hole-in-one on the last, beacon hole.
For the enjoyment of the adults, they have holes that, while tracking with the plane theme, were designed to look like old school games like Plinko and Skee-ball. I freaked out here. Obviously. I love those games! The Plinko one has lights that all light up at night and look like runway lights, and the skeeball one – well, that was hard. I couldn’t get the ball through it where it would come out the other side but I had a blast. I love those thoughtful touches that Megan and Anthony did to make sure every guest, no matter their age, has a great experience.
Takeoff Café
During the hot summer months, you’ll appreciate the 32 flavors plus four house specialties of shaved ice in two sizes: coach and first-class. They also have hot and iced coffee, snacks, ice cream, water, soda, and yogurt drinks available.
Bathrooms are indoors at the café and a shaded pavilion has plenty of seating for guests.
Birthday Parties
If you’re already thinking Takeoff Mini Golf would be a great spot to host a birthday party, you’re right. They have three birthday packages available, starting at $250 that comes with 10 passes to play the course plus either a shaved ice or ice cream treat. Two of the packages offer total turnkey service that includes aviation-themed decorations.
One of those packages though is extra special. Included in this birthday package is the opportunity for the birthday child and two guests to take a Discovery Ride in a small plane with Greenville Aviation to see Greenville from the air, taking off and landing right there at the airport. That package includes 10 passes and ice cream treats, a gift for the birthday child, pavilion rental, decorations, and memories to last a lifetime. That fantastic birthday package costs $475.
Special Events
Glow Golf
Go to Takeoff Mini Golf for Glow Golf. You’ll play with glowing golf balls to a DJ cranking out some seriously good music. You must purchase tickets in advance at $15 per person.
Watch!
2026 Glow Golf Dates
April 18
May 16
July 25
August 8
September 5
September 19
October 10
Hours and Play Prices
Takeoff Mini-Golf has putters for all ages and balls, which come with your mini-golf ticket. Ticket prices are $11.50/age 13+ and $9.50/age 4-12. Kids 3 and under play for free with golden plastic putters. Expect to spend about an hour and a half playing the course.
Hours are:
Monday-Thursday Closed Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 10 am – 5:30 pm
Inside: A curated list of excellent playgrounds in Greenville, SC written by area parents.
If you are looking for a fun park day, then here are the best parks with playgrounds in Greenville, SC! They are free, offer kids a chance to run and play, and also provide great lunch or play-date locations.
We have tried to visit as many playgrounds in the Greater Greenville area as possible, and these are our Top park playgrounds in Greenville. These park playgrounds are based on unique play structures, imaginative themes, and scenic surroundings.
❗Have you seen our Park Guide? If your family loves parks you do not want to miss our Ultimate Guide to Parks in the Upstate. In this guide, you can look up parks by location and desired amenities, like swings, basketball courts, and more.
Best Playgrounds: Greenville, SC
1. Century Park: Kids Planet
Century Park and its accompanying playground, known as Kids Planet is often listed as a local favorite.
There are some amazing play features at the new playground like a zip line, hillside slides, and ground-level trampoline. Parents will love the two age-appropriate play areas that are enclosed with a fence.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the musical instrument station between the playgrounds and a butterfly misting station that I can not keep my kids out of in the summertime.
IMPORTANT: The playground will be closed for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 am – Noon.
Learn why Kids Planet is one of the best parks in the Greenville Area in our review!
Kids’ Planet at Century Park – 3605 Brushy Creek Road, Greer
2. Herdklotz Park
Herdklotz has two playgrounds separated by a fence and a walking path. The smaller playground is one of the best playgrounds in our area for young children with not just a fun set of play equipment but also an overlook with a sidewalk area perfect for chalk drawings. This playground area also contains a small picnic shelter within the fencing making it easy to eat lunch while watching your child.
The larger playground is one of the largest play structures in Greenville with tall slides and climbing structures.
Perhaps my favorite reason to list Herdklotz is the play area is shady and cool. The elevation is also a little bit higher than most of Greenville allowing you to have a great view of the city. The shaded benches and natural-styled landscaping also add to the natural beauty of this park.
Nearby to the playground are also a volleyball court, horseshoe court, open walking trail, and large fields.
If you have both older children and young children, note that it is difficult to see the upper playground from the lower one. You may want to go with a friend, or prepare your children ahead of time to split times on the two playgrounds.
And, by the way, did you know that Herdklotz is also known for being a historic ghost-sighting spot?
Cleveland Park is not just one of Greenville’s best playgrounds but also is conveniently located downtown beside the Greenville Zoo. The playground is hot in the summertime with its black soft surface but has two shade tents that help deflect the heat.
My kids love the unique play structures that incorporate balance, arm strength, and climbing skills, into play.
This playground does a great job of encouraging active hard-working play and is advanced enough for older children while still providing plenty of fun for younger kids.
Also, Cleveland Park adjoins several nice sections of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. You can walk just a little bit down the trail to see an additional small train replica playground and the Vietnam War Memorial. The trail also connects to the scenic area of downtown Greenville, making this park a great starting place for an afternoon walk or bike ride. You will also find tennis courts near the park and other park features that you can explore by bike or walking.
Cleveland Park –East Washington and Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville
We’ve watched this park grow into a popular play space, known for being one of the most unusual and fun playgrounds in Greenville.
Located right beside the Greenville Downtown Airport, kids love watching the planes fly in and out while playing on aviation-themed equipment. My kids also love running down the small runway in the center of the park while pretending to be planes.
Currently, the park has two playgrounds inside a fenced-in area with play spaces for both small and older children. A plane-hanger-styled picnic shelter sits to the side, and a real Cessna 310 aircraft flies over the park positioned on a pole to the side.
We’ve noticed on visits that kids also walk and ride more at this park due to the runway-themed walkways being positioned inside the fence where parents can easily watch from a distance. At the edge of the fence, kids can sit at a small amphitheater where they can get a front-row view of the planes taking off and landing.
The park has a restroom and benches with a little shade, but don’t forget the sunscreen as the play spaces of this park are not shaded.
You’ll find the Runway Cafe and Takeoff Mini Golf course in the vicinity, so you can make a day of it!
Note: While the entrance to the park is a super neat fuselage of an actual plane, the gate doesn’t latch and opens directly to a parking lot. Your kiddos might require an extra level of supervision to ensure they don’t run out into the parking lot.
Runway Park – 21 Airport Road Extension, Greenville
The Runway Park (is our favorite) because it is fenced in and has a younger and an older section. It also has a track and a case next to it. And of course you get to watch the airplanes!
Sarah A.
It’s a battle every time we need to leave. They love it there
We love the playground at Conestee Park. But, if you have never been to the adjacent Lake Conestee Nature Park then you are really missing out. Its nature walk trails are amazing and perfect for the whole family. Plus, the park is known for its wide variety of wildlife, especially birds.
Beyond the amazing nature trails and large ball fields, Conestee Park also has one of the best outdoor-themed playgrounds, featuring imaginative elements such as “trees” to climb and a toadstool table and benches. The playgrounds are hot with little shade but do provide large safe spaces for running and play.
I love this playground for its scenic location and wide-open spaces. If you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy both a view of the blue sky and a shady exploration of nature, this is the park for you.
Conestee Park – 840 Mauldin Road, Greenville
6. Gracely Park (Formerly Simpsonville City Park)
The City of Simpsonville spent around $200,000 of dedicated recreation funds to revamp the playground, and it has become a reader favorite. The new city park is now called Graceley Park.
There are several climbing structures and balancing equipment, which lend themselves to kids who are practicing to be little ninja warriors.
The brand-new park currently offers a great shade/sun playground that features woodland themes throughout. You’ll have a blast exploring and finding hidden forest creatures built into the play structures.
One of the newest parks in Greenville, SC, Unity Park is situated just outside of the downtown Greenville skyline. It is considered one of the best parks in Greenville County! It is connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, making it an excellent choice when looking for an extended plan for the day.
You can ride your bikes from Falls Park through downtown to Unity, and then enjoy the vast playground. There is a humongous green space for kite flying or lazing in the sun, bridges over rivers to explore, a wetland preserve, an awesome splash pad in the warmer months, and playgrounds for both little kids and big kids to enjoy.
The park is designed with a nature theme in mind, so there are tall hills connected with wood structures that remind me of exploring a winter forest. There are swings, climbing structures, slides, and something for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Unity Park- 320 S Hudson Street, Greenville
Learn why we love Unity Park in our Kidding Around review!
8. Trailblazer Park
Nestled on the outskirts of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Downtown Travelers Rest is Trailblazer Park. The park has a lot of open space to play, but the playground is a gem! It is compact but has a lot to offer, including a large rope web to climb, zip lines, a merry-go-round, and an adorable play structure that younger kids will love. Don’t worry, the Park has swings too for when your toddler inevitably wants to spend 90% of your visit in them. There is a lot a long paved walking trail to enjoy.
We loved the uniqueness of the ropes course, it isn’t found very often in most parks, and makes a great challenge for kids to accomplish! The park is only a 10-15 minute walk from the restaurants on Main Street, which is what we did after a visit to TReehouse Cafe.
Are you looking for a kid-friendly race in Greenville this season? Check out this list of some of the fun races for the whole family.
Greenville is a great place to go for a run, a jog or a walk. The weather is fairly cooperative, even during the colder winter months, to run outside all year round. But as the trees bloom and the milder temperatures are more predictable, getting in daily exercise is pretty easy and enjoyable. If you have little ones and a jogging stroller, running is a great way to get in a workout and entertain your kids. While you may not be as fast as you are without the jogger, entering a local race is a fun way to enjoy the great weather, meet other runners, and run your way around Greenville.
Looking for a free place to enjoy the great outdoors around Rutherfordton, NC? Check out our complete guide to the city parks in Rutherfordton, NC, all with FREE parking and located conveniently within 5 minutes of historic downtown!
Main Street Park
This precious piece of brickscape is located right in the center of historic downtown Rutherfordton! If you are looking for the perfect place to stop while browsing along Main Street, look no further.
With brick buildings on either side, shade covers this broad alley most of the day. There are benches and tables with chairs, and the archways, trellises, and a water feature make it easy on the eyes. There is even a stage where you might catch a street performer, or where little ones can put on a show of their own while mom and dad rest their feet!
Location: Right between 195 & 187 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park is easily the crown jewel of Rutherfordton’s city parks. Here, you’ll find everything in one convenient place! The main building offers restrooms, water fountains, a town map, and a community bulletin board. A paved path winds throughout, perfect for walking, biking, and more.
Two different scenic bridges lead you over Cleghorn Creek, and on the other side, you find a double-decker wooden playground! There is also a cozy covered pavilion, two separate dog parks, and the perfect starting point to venture down the Purple Martin Greenway.
If you are looking for a quick play-and-potty stop, Fairview Park is just the ticket! Part of Rutherfordton’s redevelopment efforts, this small neighborhood playground offers a single-covered picnic shelter, unisex restroom, and water fountain.
There is an incredibly unique climbing structure to engage curious explorers, a basketball court, and a swing set. This park is also accessible just by walking uphill on 2nd Street from the Purple Martin Greenway.
Location: E 1st Street on the block between N Toms Street & N Cleghorn Street
Crestview Park
If you are looking for the perfect play spot for little ones, the playgrounds at Crestview Park are FANTASTIC! There are multiple options ideal for your littlest climbers, toddlers, and big kids.
There is a toddler playground, one geared towards slightly older kiddos, a climbing dome, and a swing set. There is a paved loop path around a wide-open greenspace, perfect for free play or riding bikes.
But one of the highlights of this particular park is the incredible expanse of baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts—Come at the right time, and you could easily catch a game underway!
This park also connects by a paved path to the Purple Martin Greenway. Location: 223 Park Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Norris Recreation Complex
It may not look like much for now, but Norris Recreation Complex is under construction and bound to be a major attraction by the end of 2025! The complex will be located right behind the hospital and feature a community garden, walking track, greenway, and disc golf course.
Location: 191 Twitty Ford Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
BONUS: Purple Martin Greenway
While not technically a park, Purple Martin Greenway deserves an honorable mention! This is a nearly 3-mile paved trail that follows closely along Cleghorn Creek, conveniently connecting to 3 of the major parks in Rutherfordton: Kiwanis, Fairview, and Crestview! It is handicap-accessible and open to bikes and pets.
The trail is mostly level with a few hills, and there are scattered stretches of both shade and sun. One note of caution: The Purple Martin Greenway does cross several intersections, so may not be ideal for little ones! Hikers are encouraged to use the buddy system, and there is a walking club that meets on the trail twice weekly.
Location: Best access points at Kiwanis Park and Park Crossing Apartments!
